Monday Quotes: YA Books About Faith

There aren’t that many YA books that discuss faith in an open, authentic way. Most YA protagonists seem to come from either non-practicing or holiday only or cultural but religious types of families, so it’s always refreshing to read books about teens dealing with spiritual issues. So today, after a weekend that included both a Passover Seder and Easter Sunday celebrations (we’re ecumenical Christians in my family), I wanted to share some quotes from books that deal with religion and faith.

“God what’s wrong with me?” I whisper into my thread-bare sheets that been washed more times than could ever be counted. “I don’t even know how to pray to you. I want to, but I cant.” I wait for tears, but there aren’t any. “I’m sorry,” I add, halfheartedly.

—–

I glance at the Titus 2 bracelet my father gave me the year I turned twelve. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Those are the words inscribed on this piece of jewelry I’ve work for so long… No matter how much love may have been behind this bracelet, I know I can’t wear it anymore.

I know too much about all the different ways your life can fall apart, but still, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that most of what I believe now is because of what happened that day between me and God.

You’re jeans are not too tight, and your jacket not too short. You had the right to be yourself. But others decided otherwise. I forgot the principles of the Koran. I should not have judged you, Djelila. I should have been more understanding. In any case, I should have defended you. I did not relate to your rebellion, but it was a mistake, Djelila. You were right. Freedom is everything.

And I’m not sure if it’s G-d, or fate, or just air masses colliding over water, but I will say this: It feels, finally, like flying

——

Something my mom likes to say when she’s up on her equal-opportunity soapbox floats through my head: People have enough reasons not to like you just based on how you look; don’t give them any more based on how you act.

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Hello fellow book lovers! Teen Lit Rocks is run by Sandie Chen, a professional book reviewer and film critic. Our contributors are all adult women (librarians, educators, mothers) hailing from across the U.S. and Canada who love to read YA. We support diversity in teen literature and can't wait to discuss our recommendations with you.